Jazz Finland Live

UMO Jazz Orchestra, Timo Lassy and Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen are all landmarks in Finnish jazz and experts in their own fields. Spring 2014 comes with a chance to enjoy their collaboration in two concerts: May 15th at Savoy Theatre, Helsinki and May 16th at Sello Hall, Espoo.

Saxophonist Timo Lassy is known as one of the most brilliant Finnish jazz musicians, whose fanbase and influence reach far beyond the jazz scene. His latest studio recording In With Lassy hit the charts and the live album Live With Lassy sold out in no time. As a soloist Lassy is charismatic, original and always a little dangerous.

Valtteri Laurell Pöyhönen has been one of the most original and successful innovators of Finnish jazz in recent years. The long lasting and on-growing popularity of Dalindèo and huge success of Ricky-Tick Big Band are strong evidences of his work’s quality. Sophisticated elegance and the raw swing of his current hometown Berlin are in perfect harmony in Pöyhönen’s music.

Spring 2014 will see an Event with a capital E, when Pöyhönen composes new music for his trusted soloist Lassy and the number one Finnish big band UMO Jazz Orchestra. With a line up like this, the concert will surely be full of interesting twists and turns and surprising moments.

Lassy and Pöyhönen challenge the traditional concert concept, when they bring elements of beat poetry to the stage. The dialogue of these two groovy jazzmen gives rhythm to the musical experience, which is more than an everyday concert. It’s a deep, complete experience where the highest level of Finnish jazz is crystallized in a rare intersection.

Guitarist Varre Vartiainen features at the helm of a group formed by top-notch Finnish jazzers at Koko Jazz Club.

"My idea is to draw up the set list from originals and loans that meet one criterion; to help us break free from everyday troubles for a minute. It will be all about gathering together with these wonderful musicians, playing good stuff and having fun! We will start as a quartet with trumpet master Jukka Eskola and our honourable hosts, Jussi Lehtonen on the drums and Timo Hirvonen on the bass. In the second set we will be joined by the gentlemen Mikko Mustonen on the tuba and Jay Kortehisto on the trombone. This is when a parade of elephants is let loose and a ride into the steaming jungle will begin!"

Jussi Lehtonen – drums

Timo Hirvonen – bass

Jay Kortehisto – trombone

Mikko Mustonen – tuba

Jukka Eskola – trumpet

Varre Vartiainen – guitar

Tickets 15/10 €

http://varrevartiainen.com/

Open event